Street store a hit

THE Community Chest, Durban, hosted its first ever street store at the Berea Congregational Church on Musgrave Road recently.

The street store campaign was founded by Kayli Vee Levitan and partner Max Pazak who run an advertising agency in Cape Town and it has since gained international recognition.

“The idea for us to host a street store right here in Durban was sparked by a young creative designer, Prinolan Govender whose passion to help those less fortunate was evident throughout the staging of our event,” said director, Gordon McDonald.

The principle of the campaign is to provide a homeless person with a dignified shopping experience.

Volunteers arrived at 7am and quickly sorted clothing and hung them on the cardboard hangers.

Shopping started at 10am sharp and shoppers were escorted by dedicated assistants who ensured that their ‘customer’ got exactly what was needed.

Spar KZN sponsored a blanket for each shopper and Smith’s Manufacturing pledged R5 000, which was used to buy light jackets to stock up the shop.

It certainly was a case of ‘shop till you drop’ and after their shopping bags were filled, the shoppers were treated to beverages and a sandwich, by the Berea Congregational Church.

Later on Prinolan Govender and his family arrived with over 500 hot dogs, which were gratefully received by shoppers.

It was a rewarding day, not only for the homeless shoppers, but also for volunteer shop assistants, the individuals that donated clothes and the many businesses that assisted.

“Together with the community, businesses in the Durban area and over 60 volunteers, were able to make many homeless people happy. To each of you that assisted, we say, thank you!” said Gordon.